Oatmeal Energy Bars

Prep Time: 15 mins

Bake Time: 40 mins

Ingredients:

• ½ cup seeds: You may use your favorite seeds like pumpkin seeds, flaxseeds, or sunflower seeds.
• 1 cup chopped nuts: Add your choice of nuts such as almonds, pecans, walnuts, pistachios, or cashews.
• ½ cup dried fruits: Pick your favorite dried fruits such as raisins, cranberries, or chopped dates.
• 2 cups rolled oats: I always use gluten-free oats in my energy bars.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: To improve the flavor.
• ½ cup nut butter: You can use almond butter or peanut butter.
• ⅓ cup sweetener (optional): You may use honey or maple syrup.
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon (optional): It gives the bars a warm and comforting fall flavor
• Pinch of salt: To balance out all flavors.

How To Make Oatmeal Energy Bars (Granola Bar)?

1. In a large bowl, combine the oats, chopped nuts, seeds, dried fruits, cinnamon (if using), and salt.
2. In a separate microwave-safe bowl or small saucepan, heat the nut butter and honey (or maple syrup) until melted. Stir in the vanilla extract.
3. Combine the melted mixture with the dry ingredients until everything is properly mixed.
4. Transfer this mixture to a prepared baking dish and press it down firmly with the back of a spoon or your hands to create an even layer.
5. Bake in the preheated oven (at 300°F) for about 15-18 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
6. Take the baking dish out of the oven and allow it to cool thoroughly.
7. Once cooled, cut into bars or shapes of your desired size.

Recipe Notes:

• Oats are inherently gluten-free, but it’s important to remember that during processing, they may become contaminated with gluten. Therefore, if you have celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, it’s important to choose certified gluten-free oats.
• Use a food processor to chop the nuts and dates to make the process easy. The nuts and dates can be chopped by hand if you don’t have a food processor.
  Always grease and line your baking tray with parchment paper to avoid sticking and breaking.
• Feel free to customize the recipe by adding or substituting ingredients based on your preferences or dietary restrictions. You can incorporate ingredients like shredded coconut, chocolate chips, hibiscus flower powder, or spices like nutmeg or ginger.
• Store the oatmeal energy bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week, or refrigerate them for longer shelf life.

Enjoy the goodness of life!